FROM STUDY TO SKILLS
All academic programs offered at the UM help students develop valuable transferable skills. In our diverse world, effective communication skills are becoming increasingly important, making English a central liberal arts concentration. As an English major you will study the structure, content, and cultural context of imaginative literature in all genres; explore theories of language, literature, and culture; and develop your ability to mold and interpret language in speech and writing. Through this study, you will develop a broad range of research, analytical, and communication skills.
Related fields include Linguistics, Classical Studies, Communications Studies, Screen Arts and Cultures, History, History of Art, Music, and Theater.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Research and Project Skills
Designing/directing projects
Organizing ideas/ information
Developing hypotheses
Solving problems
Using information resources
Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
Analyzing and interpreting text
Comparing information and interpretations
Applying theoretical approaches
Developing critical evaluations
Thinking independently
Synthesizing ideas and themes
Applying close reading and interpretation
Writing Skills
Abstracting information
Explaining data
Drafting and editing documents
Editing and revising text
Writing clearly and persuasively
Writing creatively
Speaking Skills
Influencing and persuading
Assessing the needs of an audience
Presenting alternative viewpoints
Clarifying ideas
Making oral presentations
Shaping general ideas into specific points and programs
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Student organizations and campus employment offer valuable opportunities to add to the skills you are developing in your classes. The Undergraduate English Association is responsible for a fortnightly newsletter, sponsors various events, and publishes an annual literary magazine, Xylem, of poetry, prose, and artwork. Other options include study abroad, off-campus employment or volunteering in the community. Finally, a summer internship may be the best way of all to test out a career field and develop marketable skills.
FROM SKILLS TO CAREER
The excellent communication skills developed by English concentrators are applicable to a wide range of careers whether in business, communication, government, or public service. For example, writing skills are equally useful whether working as a journalist, high school teacher, or web designer. Many concentrators go on to graduate or professional school. The list below is a sample of careers undertaken by English graduates.
Research and Project Skills
Research Assistant
Librarian 
Law librarian
Legislative aide
Congressional researcher
Convention planner
Bookstore manager
Buyer, retail store
Market researcher
Psychometrician
Patient education officer, HMO
Program coordinator
Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
Programmer / Analyst
Attorney
Counselor / Psychologist
Social worker
Foreign Service officer
Curriculum planner
Industrial analyst
City manager
Writing Skills
Creative writer
Technical writer
Speech writer
Journalist
Drama, art, music critic
Web writer
Newsletter writer
Editor
Publications coordinator
Editorial assistant
Web designer
Advertising copywriter
Reading specialist
Speaking Skills
K-12 teacher
College instructor
Peace Corps / Teach for America teacher
Speech Therapist
Sales manager
Training consultant
Public relations representative
Politician
Lobbyist
= Further Study Required
For more career information, see O*Net at http://online.onetcenter.org/
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
The Department of English offers four concentration options: the General Program, Honors, Creative Writing, and Teaching Certification. English 298 (What is Literature?) is a prerequisite for all programs. Students planning to concentrate in English should contact the department for printed information or look up the website and then consult a concentration advisor.
Department of English Language and Literature
3187 Angell Hall
734-764-6330
www.lsa.umich.edu/english
Newnan Advising Center
1255 Angell Hall
734-764-0332
www.lsa.umich.edu/advising
NEXT STEPS / RESOURCES
At the English website, you will find profiles of UM English majors in all kinds of careers:
www.lsa.umich.edu/english/careers/default.asp
To begin connecting to professionals in fields that interest you, create your own LinkedIn account:
www.careercenter.umich.edu/article/getting-started-linkedin
To identify internships or job opportunities, visit Handshake: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/handshake
Maize Pages list hundreds of organizations for students to get involved in: http://studentorgs.umich.edu/maize
On-campus jobs (work-study and non work-study jobs) are listed at:
https://studentemployment.umich.edu/JobX_Home.aspx
The Career Center
3200 Student Activities Building
734-764-7460
www.careercenter.umich.edu
www.facebook.com/careercenter.umich
http://twitter.com/careercenter
The Career Guide series was developed by the University of Michigan Career Center, Division of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. ©2011 Regents of the University of Michigan